Are there trees? (Tucson, Flagstaff, Douglas: neighborhoods, schools, university)

[Bob at WYGK]

This is a dumb question...

I love the desert, but I also love the woods... especially pine forests.

The photos I have seen from the Tucson area show only a few small trees. Is there anyplace near Tucson where it's possible to "walk in the woods?"

[azdr0710]

yes

[Jukesgrrl]

https://www.google.com/search?site=&...28.Tt495VBoqy0

https://www.google.com/search?site=&...park+tucson+az

https://www.google.com/search?site=&...78.Iz4lqDKrDAQ

https://www.google.com/search?site=&...37.uEXsQEn0wmA

As for pine forests, Tucson is less than a four-hour drive from the largest ponderosa pine forest on the planet earth. In the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, the ponderosa pine is by far the most common tree species. In the lower elevations of this protected area, trees are scarce and the landscape is dominated by shrubs and sagebrush. Between 4,500 and 6,500 feet in elevation, which includes the area surrounding Sedona, AZ, various species of juniper tree predominate. Hikers are also surrounded by the Arizona cypress, manzanita trees, and pinyon pines, as well as cacti.

At elevations up to 8,000 feet visitors encounter the huge stands of ponderosa pines. Other species in this area include oaks, aspen, and Rocky Mountain juniper trees. At the forest's higher elevations in the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff, large conifers such as blue spruce and Douglas fir grow. Anything higher than that area and you are venturing into the only Alpine tundra region in the state. These forests are a teaching tool for Northern Arizona University's School of Forestry, ranked in the Top 10 of such schools in the nation.

Looking at these photos, I presume most Americans would think they were taken in Colorado.
https://www.google.com/search?site=&...t+flagstaff+az

[paradiseca]

We have a neighborhood in Tucson called Tucson Country Club which has lots of trees and more than a few lawns. From a satellite photo its the only green place in Tucson outside the golf courses. Some of the neighborhoods along the washes have a lot of trees as does a lot of central Tucson. I walk along the washes and bike and while its not the woods there are plenty of trees.

[Windwalker2]

Mt Lemmon is an hour away and you can hike in the pine forest.

[SJARS]

Unfortunately, there is not much going on for forests in Tucson nor the nearby area, but if you are willing to go for a drive up into Northern Arizona you will come across the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona. The forest is beautiful and has a huge diversity of trees and wildlife. There is also another area near Flagstaff called "Aspen Corner" where you can find a huge forest of white aspen trees. White Aspens may not be the pine trees your looking for, but at a certain time of the year around November the leaves of the White Aspen trees turn a golden like color. These aspen trees were named "Golden Aspens" because of their unique fall color. Look up "Golden Aspens" at Aspen Corner to see what I'm talking about.

https://flagstaffarizonatreeservices...s-in-flagstaff

[pathrunner]

Driving straight north out of Tucson to Show Low, Pine Top, Snowflake, Greer, etc. is a shorter and just as beautiful drive with plenty of trees. Head a little west at Show Low on the way to Payson, there is Sitgreaves Natinal Forest with plenty of open land with Pine and other trees. Real forest-y.

[Caladan]

From the N.E. side of Tucson, you can drive to the top of Mt. Lemmon (mentioned above) in about 45 minutes. There you will find an abundance of places to hike in a pine forest. The drive is only about 25 miles, but it takes a while as the road is winding.

From the southern part of Tucson, it is only about a 40 minute drive south on the interstate to Madera Canyon, located in the Santa Ritas. Another great place for hiking and camping in the woods.

Places too many to mention are available to you if you are willing to drive a few hours. AZ has a lot of pine forests........

[popwar]

You also have the Mt Graham Wilderness in Safford.

[gemstone1]

National Forests in Arizona.